The new flexible design, based on IntelCorporation technologies, converts instantly from a clamshell to atablet mode with a touch screen to allow for a more intuitiveclassroom experience. According to research with students andteachers, the 180-degree swivel design, rotational camera and touchscreen encourage flexible classroom interaction and naturalcollaboration. Both the convertible and the clamshell classmate PCdesigns are based on ethnographic studies and feedback from pilotprograms conducted in both mature and emerging markets.

Intel is also introducing the IntelLearning Series, an initiative that integrates hardware, softwareand services designed specifically for education. The IntelLearning Series supports technology companies that customizeproducts and services in their own country, innovating in andaround the classmate PC reference design to enhance and improvestudents’ experiences with technology. Working together, thetechnology ecosystem delivers customized products and services tomeet the unique needs of education worldwide. The Intel LearningSeries provides a common framework for these companies tocommunicate their unique roles and values in delivering the totalsolution to education. Local PC manufacturers will offer both thenew Intel-powered convertible classmate PC and the existingclamshell design to students and teachers. The PCs will bepreloaded with student-friendly software through support from theIntel Learning Series.

The addition of the new convertible PCwill coexist with the very successful clamshell design, which isbeing used in Portugal’s Magalhães (Magellan)Initiative – the Portuguese government’s country-wideprogram to provide PCs to all elementary school children via thelocal computer manufacturer and telecom service providers. TheMagalhães Initiative is one of most comprehensiveeducational technology programs in the world and other countries,like Venezuela, are working with Portugal to extend this model fortheir country. The Initiative reflects the scale of programstargeted for the Intel Learning Series.

Intel also unveiled its collaboration withJP Sá Couto, the local OEM in Portugal, and a local designcompany, CEIIA, to develop a new design of the Magalhães PCthat will include features such as unique reading and writingcapabilities, a larger screen, more memory for local content andadditional connectivity options such as 3G and WiMAX. These newfeatures meet the unique needs of Portugal and will be offered inaddition to the existing solutions as part of the MagalhãesProgram.

“Education is one of the best waysto improve the future for individuals, villages, or nations,”said Lila Ibrahim, general manager of the Intel Emerging MarketsPlatform Group, which developed the classmate PC reference designbased on ethnographic research and supports the Intel LearningSeries. “There are 1.3 billion school-age children around theworld and of those only 5 percent have access to a PC or theInternet. The IT industry has a huge opportunity to contribute tohow technology can improve students’ learning andstudents’ lives. With our announcement today, Intel continuesits long-standing commitment to advancing education throughtechnology to transform lives around the world.”

Built on Intel architecture and powered bythe Intel® Atom™ processor, these purpose-built netbooksprovide an affordable and functional PC to support a wide varietyof classroom applications and activities. Designed with students inmind, the classmate PC is small and light enough for a child toeasily carry. Equipped with a water-resistant keyboard, theclassmate PC is also “backpack friendly” – ableto withstand bumping in a backpack and accidental drops bystudents. In tablet mode, the convertible classmate PC screen has a“palm rejection” feature that is designed to allow thechild to write more naturally by resting their palm on the touchscreen. It also includes education-oriented software andapplications from software and content vendors in the IntelLearning Series.

The Intel Learning Series

Intel-powered classmate PCs are part ofthe Intel Learning Series, offering a cost-effective, end-to-endsolution developed in collaboration with local manufacturers andbrought to students by an extensive network of local OEM vendors.More than 100 software and hardware vendors, content providers,educational service providers and local OEMs have been working withIntel to develop a complete infrastructure to support Intel-poweredclassmate PCs. Local manufacturers such as CTL, Equus and M&Ain the United States, MDG in Canada, CMS in the United Kingdom, NECin France, Olidata in Chile, ASI in Australia and Hanvon in Chinawill also be offering the convertible classmate PC in theircountries. These offerings complement the existing clamshell designbeing offered in countries worldwide.

“Our involvement with software andhardware developers ensures that the Intel Learning Series isculturally relevant, sustainable, and supports localeconomies,” said Ibrahim. “Through the Intel LearningSeries, we are gathering the great minds and experiences of the ITindustry to create a fun and rewarding environment for the studentsto learn and develop the skills they need in the 21stcentury.”